It has literally been months since The X Factor kicked off in August and we’ve been taken on an emotional roller coaster as we watched Sam Bailey fight her way to victory.

With audition rounds a distant memory and the twists of boot camp long forgotten, we feel it is time to look back over the last four months of shows and review the best bits.

Here is our top 10 moments of The X Factor 2013 series ten

Sharon returns

Did anyone realise how much they missed Sharon Osbourne from The X Factor until she actually returned? No, us neither. But she was a delight to see back on our screens – and gave the show a new lift as it entered its tenth year.

Audition rooms

It wasn’t just Shaz who made a return to the show – so too did the audition rooms. Wannabe singers were exposed to the full glare of the judges and the bad acts were more cringeworthy than ever. However, the format meant it was easier to spot real talent.

Souli Roots

Souli Roots looked like she could have made it to the live shows as a novelty act for 2013. She gave a bonkers performance with some real sass. Nicole petitioned for her to be kept but sadly Souli was axed before she could really shine.

Joseph Whelan

Hunky single dad Joseph was favourite to win at one point. But Robbie Williams and Sharon decided to give him the boot at the judges houses.

Tamera forgets her words

Show cutie Tamera had the whole package. Beauty, attitude and an incredible voice. But unfortunately her inability to remember lyrics marked her out for all the wrong reasons. But still, her original arena audition was truly spellbinding once she got the words right to Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing.

Nicole’s kookiness

Accusations of Nicole Scherzinger being drunk on the show began to fly as her comments got more and more bonkers. But have viewers forgotten she has always been like this? It’s what makes her such a great judge! Balls, Schermazing and Shiitake mushrooms were all spewed from her beautiful lips as her nutty comments continued to reign this year.

Love drama

Everyone enjoys a love story and this year’s X Factor romance was apparently between Tamera and Sam Callahan. While both played it coy during the show, love has reportedly blossomed since they both left The X Factor mansion.

Guest performers

There were some great guests on this year’s show. Who knew Cher would give such a good performance? And then there was Celine Dion who sang in a circle of fire. Gary Barlow gave us his best Mumford & Sons impression. Leona Lewis forced us to love Christmas. Katy Perry Roared on to the stage. And One Direction gave The Killers a run for their money in the rock stakes.

The novelty

Underlining the lack of novelty acts this year, the live final brought back some of the best jokers from the last ten years. Diva Fever, Two Shoes, Wagner and more gave the show a much needed injection of humour.

The winner

Sam Bailey genuinely captured the hearts of the nation as a working mum following her dream. Romping her way to victory in the live final, the star landed a record deal and will now tour alongside Beyonce as part of her prize.